Help support Arts on the Ave! Learn more about our programs and initiatives and support our crowdfunding campaign! https://www.artsontheave.org

October Gallery - A Bit of Realism: Thomas Van Driel

Gallery Exhibition Date: October 5 - October 31 2026
Opening Reception: October 8, 7:00 PM | The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse (9351 - 118 Ave)

You are warmly invited to the opening reception for A Bit of Realism: Thomas Van Driel

My family immigrated to Edmonton from the Netherlands in 1955. I was 9 years old at the time and, like so many Canadians, brought with me the formative years from another culture, history and geography. In Edmonton my family lived in rented accommodation until I was in my 20s. We were never settled more than 4 years in any one place, which together with an already introverted personality and a sensitivity to abusive human behaviour, reinforced my direction towards the relatively constant and enduring natural world and a focus on the positive expressions of human creativity.

I am fascinated by the beauty of nature, the rich tapestry of hue, texture and pattern and how those resonate with the contemplative side of human existence. Life is full of paradoxes. Good co-exists with evil. Light with dark. Joy with sadness. Human creativity and destruction. In the work I do, I try to juxtapose these contrasts while at the same time accepting and even celebrating them. In the current world of ever-shifting virtual reality, there is a certain degree of comfort in pausing to focus on something that catches the eye. For me, capturing that pause in a drawing or painting enriches that focus and a connection with whatever it is that has given me that "aha!" moment. Mixing paint to replicate or accentuate a hue or value, putting a pencil to paper or a brush to canvas can be very satisfying. I hope I never lose a child-like wonder at the surprises of discovering beauty and whimsy.

Thursday Mornings • 11 am - 1 pm

Join Bill Werthman and his crew of merry muses every Thursday morning from 11 am to 1 pm at The Carrot, where they perform a jam session inside the coffeehouse, free for everyone to come and listen! Toast and jam are available for purchase. See you then!

Help support Arts on the Ave! Learn more about our programs and initiatives and support our crowdfunding campaign! https://www.artsontheave.org

Thursday Mornings • 11 am - 1 pm

Join Bill Werthman and his crew of merry muses every Thursday morning from 11 am to 1 pm at The Carrot, where they perform a jam session inside the coffeehouse, free for everyone to come and listen! Toast and jam are available for purchase. See you then!

Help support Arts on the Ave! Learn more about our programs and initiatives and support our crowdfunding campaign! https://www.artsontheave.org

Thursday Mornings • 11 am - 1 pm

Join Bill Werthman and his crew of merry muses every Thursday morning from 11 am to 1 pm at The Carrot, where they perform a jam session inside the coffeehouse, free for everyone to come and listen! Toast and jam are available for purchase. See you then!

Kaleido 2026 Gallery: Street Lights Flickering - Tim Rechner

Gallery Exhibition Date: August 31 - October 3, 2026
Artist Talk: September 19, 11:00 AM | The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse (9351 - 118 Ave)

This September, The Carrot is proud to present the Kaledio Family Arts Festival 2026 - Art Gallery: Street Lights Flickering, featuring the works of Tim Rechner. All the artwork on display is available for purchase, with a portion of the sale supporting the festival.

Artist Statement:

I create abstract artwork instinctually. The aim is to create intense energy through abstract visual language. The artwork created aspires to be dynamic, vibrant and beautiful. The process is intuitive, direct and physical. I attempt to emulate the raw spontaneity and enthusiasm of a young child creating artwork. Artwork made by children is an important resource.  My aesthetic draws upon 20th century artists such as de Kooning, Gorky, Matta, Pollock, Rothko, Joan Mitchell, Twombly, Rauschenberg, Riopelle, Borduas, Basquiat, Stan Brakhage and Cecily Brown. I use blind drawing techniques attempting to tap into the subconscious. There is a strong emphasis on an all over compositional flow enforced by a skeletal framework of assertively drawn lines. Emotive, bright, forceful colour combinations further intensify the surfaces. The second layer of tightly composed shapes sit atop of the automatiste first layer creating a collaboration between the conscious and subconscious minds.

August 20th | 7:00 pm

Flow into The Carrot tonight for our Hip Hop Showcase. Develop and showcase your skills in the arts of rhythm and rhyme!

Thursday Mornings • 11 am - 1 pm

Join Bill Werthman and his crew of merry muses every Thursday morning from 11 am to 1 pm at The Carrot, where they perform a jam session inside the coffeehouse, free for everyone to come and listen! Toast and jam are available for purchase. See you then!

Kaleido Family Arts Festival returns to the Ave on September 18–20, 2026!

Get ready for an incredible festival weekend by joining us for Volunteer Orientation on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

Whether you're a first-time volunteer or a returning member of the Kaleido crew, Orientation is the best way to prepare for the festival. Meet your Crew Leads, connect with fellow volunteers, learn what to expect during your shifts, and pick up helpful tips, tricks, and important information to help you have a great festival experience. There will also be time to ask questions and get familiar with festival operations before the weekend begins.

You'll be able to pick up your bus passes, festival program guide, and Volunteer Handbook during the evening.

A complimentary meal will be available during the session.

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged—especially for new volunteers.

Volunteer Orientation
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Choose one seating: 5:00 PM or 7:00 PM
Alberta Avenue Community League (9210 118 Ave)

We look forward to seeing you there and getting ready for an amazing Kaleido together!

Help support Arts on the Ave! Learn more about our programs and initiatives and support our crowdfunding campaign! https://www.artsontheave.org

Nightbird Alley - John Hewitt and the New Americans

Songs for an Autumn Night (Almost...) The Words and Music of Gordon Lightfoot and Jim Croce

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
9319 118 Ave (Alley)
Tickets $10

John Hewitt is the mastermind behind Second Sunset, The New Americans and his solo career. Releasing on average two albums per year alongside touring over 150 dates on the road he is a regular staple of the Western Canadian music scene. From folk clubs, theatres and festivals to intimate house concerts and concert series the depth of John's songwriting and arrangements is akin to the great inspirations that have shown him the way.

Come listen and enjoy the show with beer, wine, bratwurst and tasty snacks!

Thursday Mornings • 11 am - 1 pm

Join Bill Werthman and his crew of merry muses every Thursday morning from 11 am to 1 pm at The Carrot, where they perform a jam session inside the coffeehouse, free for everyone to come and listen! Toast and jam are available for purchase. See you then!

Do you find yourself constantly rhyming? Do you like to read and write poetry? Come share at our open mic style poetry night.

Help support Arts on the Ave! Learn more about our programs and initiatives and support our crowdfunding campaign! https://www.artsontheave.org

Thursday Mornings • 11 am - 1 pm

Join Bill Werthman and his crew of merry muses every Thursday morning from 11 am to 1 pm at The Carrot, where they perform a jam session inside the coffeehouse, free for everyone to come and listen! Toast and jam are available for purchase. See you then!

Kaleido Family Arts Festival returns to the Ave on September 18-20, 2026!

Discover your perfect volunteer role! Gather with us for the Kaleido Volunteer Info Brunch. If you want to get involved in your community this festival season, this info session is the perfect place to start. Held at the Spruce Avenue Community League, this catered brunch will give you a clear breakdown of volunteer responsibilities, a chance to connect with crew leads, and first access to shift sign-ups.

Register to save your seat and have your $ 5 deposit returned upon arrival.

Sunday, August 30 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

📍Spruce Ave Community League (11507 103 St NW)

Bring your friends! Learn more: https://www.kaleidofest.ca/volunteer

Summer Patio BBQ Street Eats

Come down to the Carrot’s patio and enjoy different BBQ deliciousness every Saturday from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm!

Stay tuned for our 2026 Menu!

Help support Arts on the Ave! Learn more about our programs and initiatives and support our crowdfunding campaign! https://www.artsontheave.org

August 27: Felted Wool Owl

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Create your own felted owl! This beginner-friendly dry felting workshop teaches basic techniques, with all materials provided.

All skill levels welcome | Ages 12+ (under 16 with an adult)

$25 per person. Limited Spots! Register today!
Scholarships Available - Call 780 471-1580

Thursday Mornings • 11 am - 1 pm

Join Bill Werthman and his crew of merry muses every Thursday morning from 11 am to 1 pm at The Carrot, where they perform a jam session inside the coffeehouse, free for everyone to come and listen! Toast and jam are available for purchase. See you then!

August Gallery - Eye of the Beholder: Deborah Faul

Gallery Exhibition Date: August 3 - August 29, 2026
Closing Reception: August 26, 7:00 PM | The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse (9351 - 118 Ave)

You are warmly invited to the closing reception for Eye of the Beholder: Deborah Faul

This exhibition covers works from various art explorations Pre/During/Post my child bearing/rearing years. Changing family of origin/family of choice dynamics and other life experiences have always had a considerable influence on the subject matter and focus for my artworks. Every piece offers me a ‘Pause’ of one kind or another of ‘BEing In The Moment’ in the flow of life unfolding in the Kaleidoscope of influences constantly vying for my attention. Each piece also reflects for/to me Toltec wisdom teachings of Don Miguel Ruiz around the term ‘ARTIST’ ~ aka ~
We Are ALL Artists Beholding/Creating Our Own and the Collective Reality of This BEing Human Adventure
~ ~ ~
Just when we think we have ‘Beheld’ the Full Spectrum ~ New Perspectives May Emerge.
When I’m Creating Art The Only Constant Perspective = the Ever Changing Plays of Light & Colour AND What May Be Evoked during Your Eye of the Beholder Exhibit Experience(s)
Welcome to MultiDimensional Observer Moments of Humans
Being Artists Creating Our Collective Reality